Ralph Silvestro

Ralph L. Silvestro, 90, formerly of the Southport section of Fairfield, retired co-owner and a manager of the Westport Food Center, passed away on October 3, at St Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, after a short illness.

He was the beloved husband for 53 years of the late Jennie DeLibro Silvestro. Survivors include two beloved children, Ralph L. Silvestro, Jr, and his wife, Serrie, of Fairfield and Carol Najpauer and her husband, James, of Shelton; three loving grandchildren, Steven and Laura Silvestro and Michael Najpauer; four brothers and sisters, Albert Silvestro of  Sandy Hook, Jennie Altavilla of Barre, Vt., Louise Danieli of Milford, and Tina Iannotti of Milford; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Larry Silvestro.

Born in Bridgeport, son of the late Lawrence and Diane Silvestro, he had been a Southport resident for more than 40 years. Mr Silvestro spent the winters in Highland Beach, Fla., with his beloved late wife, Jennie. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the 94th Division and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He operated the Westport Food Center with his late, older brother Joe, and his younger brother Albert, prior to retiring in 1981. A parishioner of St Thomas Aquinas Church for more than 40 years, he was a member of the Seniors Group. Most recently, he had been a parishioner of St Lawrence Church.

Funeral services were held October 6, in the Spear Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, and in St Thomas Aquinas Church with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in St Thomas Cemetery followed. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492.

The Newtown Bee        October 10, 2003